“It’s a very, very welcome development and this is without doubt a good news story.”

To pass the examination officers have to achieve level 5.4 on the bleep test, a 15 metre shuttle run at increasing speeds. Reaching the required level is the equivalent of running at 5.5mph for 3mins 35secs.

The average success rate nationally was 97.5%. In Suffolk 297 officers took part with six failing, compared to 60 out of 863 missing the mark last time.

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Wilson said: “Fitness testing for officers has been implemented in Suffolk for over six years now and we carefully monitor those who are not successful and offer support and guidance where necessary to help improve their levels of fitness.

“The latest figures which have been released are very encouraging and show the level of commitment from officers who strive to be fit for 21st century policing.”

In Essex the pass rate was 96.4%, with 20 of the 562 attendees failing to make the grade.

An Essex police spokesman said: “The results are very similar to the previous results and indicate that the majority of our officers are fit.

“We will support those who do not pass the test to help them achieve the required standard.”

I had to laugh a couple of days ago when I was cycling through Stowmarket. Saw what was either a WPC or a PCSO who was so fat that I reckon she'd struggle running in hot pursuit after a mobility scooter.

The first group who took the test were those on restrictedlight duty or somehow injured or ill , so there is no surprise that there is an improvement . Any operational officer not able to do it should be ashamed of themselves , its hardly a test of fitness . My father who is 77 can do it afterall ! Try the test yourself , its simple and easy .

Well that's great news, now we just need them to actually get off their backsides and and start walking the beat because I walk all over the town and I NEVER see any police. In the words of Delia Smith "Where are you?, let's be having you!"